The Legislature of Santa Fe has approved Law No. 14.235, granting the provincial government authority to regulate online sports betting through the Lotería de Santa Fe.
The new framework enables the province to either develop its own digital betting platform or tender licences to private operators through a national or international public bidding process.
The primary objective is to regulate and control online betting activity, eliminate illegal operators and promote responsible gambling practices. A similar effort was recently developed in the country, as researchers created a virtual assistant aimed at preventing problem gambling among teenagers.
The law explicitly frames online sports betting as a recreational activity, while placing emphasis on reducing addiction risks and preventing problem gambling.
The regulation applies to operations linked directly or indirectly to sporting competitions of any kind, provided they are conducted through digital platforms.
Access to online betting will be restricted to users physically located within Santa Fe.
The system will rely on IP tracking and geolocation technologies to ensure that only players within provincial borders can participate.
Oversight responsibilities will fall to the Lotería de Santa Fe, which will also be tasked with supervising operators and enforcing compliance.
The law mandates the creation of a Unified Online Bettors Register, limited to adults who are not listed in the province's child support debt registry.
Each bettor will have a single, individual account through which deposits and prize payments are managed, reinforcing traceability and control.
Advertising restrictions also come with the framework. Campaigns suggesting gambling as a solution to financial problems, a means of personal recognition or a guaranteed path to success will be prohibited, as will any advertising targeting minors or offering credit to bettors.
Funds generated from regulated online betting will be allocated to various areas of the provincial government once the operational model and licensing structure are finalized.
Santa Fe's lottery is also seeking expanded powers to block illegal gambling platforms operating within the province
